QP’s relationship with Sasol has contributed to Qatar’s position as the world leader in the gas-to-liquids (GTL) market, said HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada.
He was speaking at the inauguration of Sasol’s new office at The Gate, West Bay.
Al-Sada expressed pleasure at the inauguration of the new offices, which he said “marks the continued presence and investment of Sasol in Qatar.”
“Qatar Petroleum and Sasol have enjoyed an excellent working relationship through the Oryx GTL joint venture.
“The new Sasol offices will help build on the strong foundations that have been laid so far towards a larger scale and scope of co-operation.”
Present in Qatar since 2008, the move to upgraded offices located at The Gate, will better accommodate Sasol Qatar’s operations and facilitate continued business development and support to Oryx GTL.
Sasol senior group executive (international energy, new business development and technology) Lean Strauss said: “We are delighted to see the strong and mutually beneficial relationship grow over the years between Sasol and Qatar.
“The success of the Oryx GTL joint venture is a testament to Qatar’s progressive and far-sighted vision and innovative spirit, which matches the values embedded in Sasol’s South African DNA.
“We are proud of the achievements realised through our partnership in Qatar so far and we are sure there will be many more ahead,” Strauss said.
Marjo Louw, President, Sasol Qatar said: “The opening of our new Qatar office continues Sasol Qatar’s presence in the country and is a reflection of our continued commitment to Qatar.
“Through our joint venture with Qatar Petroleum, Oryx GTL, and community partnerships, we are proud to be making a positive mark here in Qatar today and in the future.
“The success of the Oryx GTL commercial venture sparked additional projects around the world.” Louw said.
The ribbon-cutting was performed by al-Sada, South African ambassador Saad Cachalia, and Strauss. Also present were senior officials from Qatar Petroleum, Sasol’s Group Executive Committee, and Oryx GTL board members.
Iran ‘will not back down over top Opec post’
Iran will not back down in its quest for an Iranian head of Opec, the country’s new oil minister, Bijan Zanganeh, was quoted by Mehr news agency as saying yesterday.
The long deadlock over who should be the next Opec secretary general has highlighted political tensions within the 12-country group that have increased due to Western sanctions on Iran.
Saudi willingness to raise exports to make up for a reduction in supplies from Iran and rising competition from Iraq has intensified the rivalries between the Gulf neighbours, with each having put forward a candidate for the job and none willing to back down.
“Certainly, we will not let those countries that are oppressive against Iran to take the role of the secretary general,” Zanganeh said.
“If a number of Opec members do not alter their position towards Iran, like before, Iran will not back down either.”
The three candidates that Opec ministers have to choose from when they next meet in Vienna in December are Saudi Arabia Opec governor Majid al-Moneef; Thamir Ghadhban, energy adviser to Iraq’s prime minister; and former Iranian oil minister Gholam
Hossein Nozari.